A & A Equestrian is pleased to present a series of three Working Equitation competitions in Santa Ynez, California. Working Equitation is an international sport which is gaining popularity in the United States. It tests the horse and rider in four areas: Working Dressage, Ease of Handling Over Obstacles, Speed Over Obstacles and Cattle Handling.

Offering Levels 1 through 4, these competitions are great for the novice horse and rider, as well as seasoned competitors looking for their next challenge. And, the best part is that you are permitted to compete in any gear you wish! English, Western, Spanish, Portuguese… All levels AND disciplines are welcomed!

These exciting competitions will feature a clinic and horse show as well as food, vendors, wine tasting and FUN! Get your entry in today or plan to watch. Spectators are welcome!

]]>http://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=580Upcoming Events!http://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?p=56
http://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?p=56#commentsWed, 13 Mar 2013 00:19:13 +0000aaequestrianhttp://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?p=56Continue reading →]]>Hello everyone! I hope you are enjoying this beautiful weather! Below is a list of upcoming events. Be sure to check our calendar at www.AAEquestrian.com for updates and details. RSVPs to Adrianna via email or at 805-734-7323.

Above is the video for a lovely gaited mare that we currently have in training. ‘Pearl’ is a well-bred, correctly built Tennessee Walker Mare for sale. This stunning black mare stands at 15.3 hands. Enjoy this horse on the trail or take her to the show ring! Sweet disposition, always wanting to please. Easy keeper, barefoot. Clips, ties, trailers well, and goes out on the trail alone or in a group. Has been exposed to a myriad of sights and sounds, very easy going about everything. 15.3 hands, mare, black, 9 years old.

Asking Price $4000.00

More video to come!

Contact Adrianna Silvestri for more information or to set up an appointment to meet Pearl. adrianna@aaequestrian.com

]]>http://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=480I’m meeeellllting!http://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?p=46
http://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?p=46#commentsTue, 22 May 2012 22:21:47 +0000aaequestrianhttp://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?p=46Continue reading →]]>Today is hot. Hot in the sun and in the shade, but we finished all the horses 30 minutes ago and now I can sit back and… well, do computer work.

Lovely lessons today with our working student and regular students. Everybody worked up a sweat, which is always good. In addition, they accomplished some really great things. All of which had to do with quality of leg, rather than quantity. As we learn to ride, there is certainly a physical curve in building the strength required to ride with good posture, effective legs and independent aids. But, is it always ‘MORE’ that you need?

The answer, in short, is ‘No’.

Imagine that you are sitting on a large beach ball or a large exercise ball. (Or try this if you have one). Keeping the ball between your legs, stand up without dropping it. Take note of the amount of leg you have applied to hold the ball. Now, squeeze the ball as hard as possible with your legs. What happened? Probably it squirted out from between your legs. Replace the ball. Now let your legs go noodle-like. What happens? Ball drops, yes? So, keeping the ball (or horse) between your legs requires just the right amount of leg.

Now, with the ball between your legs, try walking forward. Again, are you squeezing constantly with both legs? Probably not. You would not be able to move very well. Once you’ve mastered the walk, try a little ‘trot’. Again, how much leg was required? Or, more importantly, what TYPE of leg was required?

Your horses’ body, especially the rib cage, is like this ball. The faster you want to move forward, the more active and allowing your leg needs to be. So yes, you use your leg, but not in continuous, vice-grip fashion. Try this and the last exercise I wrote about to teach you control of your leg. Using your leg aids accurately will give you better, more precise results. Good luck!

]]>http://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=460Ponies a la playa!http://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?p=42
http://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?p=42#commentsWed, 16 May 2012 15:12:12 +0000aaequestrianhttp://www.aaequestrian.com/blog/?p=42Continue reading →]]>That’s right… horses at the beach! April 22nd, we took a group of friends and clients to Pismo Beach for an adventure at sea.

Well, mostly next to the sea, but you get the idea. There weren’t too many sunny moments like this one. Pismo was classically socked-in for most of the day, despite 90+ degree weather in all directions. But that didn’t slow down our riders. They rode up and down the dunes and along the water. And we had excellent snacks at the trailer. We’re looking forward to more excursions like this one!